CMA Awards - 50 Years

The CMA Awards celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2016.

The first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show" was held a the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. Since that first show at the Municipal Auditorium, the CMA Awards has taken place at the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry House, and its current home at Bridgestone Arena. Country music greats from Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner, and Dolly Parton, through Roy Clark, Ronnie Milsap, Willie Nelson, and Barbara Mandrell, to Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Taylor Swift, and Blake Shelton have taken the stage. Move through the timeline and learn about past winners, hosts, and see pictures of memorable moments: cmaworld.com/cma-awards/timeline.

Forever Country

In celebration of “The 50th Annual CMA Awards,” CMA has created the biggest music video in country music history. Titled “Forever Country,” the single and accompanying music video features 30 CMA Award-winning acts.

The audio single is now available for digital download and streaming. Visit forevercountry50.com to learn more about this incredible song and video.

CMA Awards 50/50

For 50 years, the CMA Awards stage has been home to Country Music’s most iconic moments. Legends have been born. Country Music royalty has been crowned. The songs that touch the depths of our souls have become timeless.
In an all-new original "CMA Awards 50/50" video series, hosted on the CMA YouTube channel, Country Music’s biggest stars take a look back at these historical moments. Watch exclusive interviews with winners and performers of the past 50 years, plus much more to come!

Forever Country Live

The Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum and the Country Music Association (CMA) partnered to host Forever Country Live presented by Southwest Airlines®, a FREE concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both the museum’s opening and the CMA Awards. The community event was held on Sunday, Sept. 25, at Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville, with performances by Warner Bros. recording artist Charlie Worsham and Grammy-nominated ensemble The Time Jumpers, featuring Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, Kenny Sears, "Ranger Doug" Green and Paul Franklin.
The event was the official launch of Country Music Month, celebrated in October. Festivities culminate Wednesday, Nov. 2, with the live, national broadcast of “The 50th Annual CMA Awards” on the ABC Television Network. The concert also kicked off the museum’s initiatives to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017. Visit forevercountrylive.com for details.